James Kon
Young, prospective farmers are looking to use information gleaned from an agriculture exposure programme to jump into the sector.
University undergaduate Ahmad Termizie bin Ahmad Baihakie said farming is something he has always wanted to learn. “I am studying biology and my research is also on agriculture, so this programme is related to that,” he told the Sunday Bulletin.
The five-day briefing, organised by the Department of Agriculture and Agrifoods (DAA), covered agriculture as an enterprise, investment opportunities, contract farming and high tech systems to increase yield.
“I learnt how to seek capital and apply for farmland, as well as how to apply for workers for the agriculture sector,” said the 23-year-old undergraduate.
“With my studies and this course, I hope to contribute to the agriculture sector and the nation’s food security and economy.
“There are many opportunities in the sector, and we should explore its potential in the country,” he said.
Another participant, Abdul Adib bin Abdul Khani, 36, said that the course has given him an insight into high tech agriculture, and that it was a great platform to learn and make use of opportunities provided by the government.
He said the briefing also provided information on how to find employees through the JobCentre as well as to obtain support and capital from local banks.
The 36-year-old said he was thinking of venturing into farming, but after some research, there were also opportunities in the poultry industry. “I hope to get into the poultry sector,” he said.
The agriculture exposure programme is in its the eighth iteration after being introduced in 2018. The programme hoped to encourage more youth to participate in the agriculture sector by exposing them to high tech and profitable methods of farming.
A closing ceremony was at Dewan Simpur, Rimba Agribusiness Centre yesterday, where the 37 participants received certificates.
Acting Director of Agriculture and Agrifood Abuzar bin Haji Mohd Tahir said he hoped the participants have been inspired by the programme to venture into agriculture.
